Overview
Welcome to AccessHack, a virtual hackathon dedicated to improving computer accessibility for people with disabilities. AccessHack provides undergraduate students with a unique opportunity to collaborate and innovate on projects related to computer accessibility while also learning about the latest trends and advancements in the field. During the event, teams of undergraduates will work on projects of their choosing that support accessibility for people with disabilities. A jury of accessibility experts will select the most promising and impactful projects and award prizes. During the event, they can also participate in a series of online events, panel discussions, invited talks, and networking sessions to connect with experts and professionals in the industry. Join us in empowering the next generation of computer scientists to make a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities.
Participation
At AccessHack, undergraduate students will have two and a half days to prototype and build software that addresses accessibility barriers for people with disabilities. Working in teams of sizes 2-5, participants can leverage their technical skills to create innovative solutions while joining panels and talks featuring accessibility researchers, industry partners, and people with disabilities. At the end of the event, all projects will be reviewed on Sunday by a panel of judges consisting of experts in the field. A select group of teams will be awarded prizes for their outstanding work, including those that best demonstrate creativity, feasibility, impact, and accessibility. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to showcase your talent, gain practical experience, receive recognition for your efforts, and learn from the feedback provided by the judges. Join us at AccessHack and be a part of advancing accessibility and innovation!
Our Mission and Values
At AccessHack, our mission is to promote diversity and inclusion in the tech industry by empowering undergraduate students to use their technical skills to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. We are committed to providing practical and real-world educational opportunities that inspire the next generation of computer scientists to create solutions that benefit everyone.
We value accessibility by and for people with disabilities, and we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment that welcomes all participants with diverse abilities and experiences. At AccessHack, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential for innovation and that by working together and embracing our differences, we can create a better world for all. We aim to provide an event that is accessible, informative, and enjoyable, giving participants the tools and inspiration they need to continue making a difference in the tech industry and beyond.
Our Team
Megan Hofmann
As the director of the Khoury ACT Lab, Megan is committed to supporting people with disabilities through the development of innovative design tools. By making design accessible, we can build an accessible world.
Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering
Khoury College of Computer Sciences and Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Northeastern University
Sarah Morrison-Smith
As the director of the MoCHI Research Group, Sarah focuses on supporting collaborative research activities, natural user interfaces for mobile devices and wearables, and promoting accessibility in computer science education.
Assistant Professor of Computer Science,
Hamilton College
Tom Kruger, Graduate Student Organizer
Currently a graduate student studying computer science at Northeastern University, Tom is passionate about the development of accessible technologies and ensuring our digital world is universally accessible.
Masters of Science in Computer Science, Student
Northeastern University